Seemor
Angeline's Louisiana KitchenB+Worth Trying
2261 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704
· Cajun restaurant, Brunch restaurant, Creole restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (3035 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Classic Cajun-Creole comfort with standout beignets, gumbo, and voodoo shrimp; lively, friendly service, occasional waits and inconsistency; good value for hearty plates in downtown Berkeley.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality anchored by standout beignets, gumbo, and jambalaya, paired with attentive, friendly service. However, inconsistent execution during peak hours and occasional service delays prevent a higher grade. The warm NOLA atmosphere and loyal following make it a reliable choice for Louisiana comfort food, though it doesn't quite reach the distinction of the area's premier dining destinations.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with New Orleans trinkets, jazz on the speakers, and servers who keep things upbeat even when it is slammed. Diners rave about plates like gumbo, fried chicken, and especially the beignets, sharing lines like, "those hot beignets were irresistible" as the evening hums along. Expect waits at peak hours and plan for the downtown parking shuffle, but most leave smiling over Cajun comfort. The cooking leans classic Louisiana comfort rather than showy fusion: jambalaya, voodoo shrimp, catfish, and hush puppies anchor the menu. The culinary approach is elevated traditional (innovation level 4.2): ingredient-focused and hearty, with Gulf seafood and deep, savory sauces over theatrics. When the kitchen is on, flavors are rich and soulful; a minority report seasoning swings or dry bites during rushes. Families do well here thanks to kid-pleasing staples like fried chicken, mac and cheese, catfish, and those fresh beignets. Reviews even mention crayons and coloring pages. While there is a vegan jambalaya and simple salads, classics like gumbo and red beans rely on pork, so substitution options are limited for pork-avoiders—check before you order.
At a Glance
- Fresh beignets and desserts are standouts
- Gumbo, jambalaya, and voodoo shrimp earn consistent praise
- Peak-time waits and occasional slow seating/order taking
- Limited ability to remove pork from traditional dishes
- Lively, friendly service with helpful recommendations
What Sets It Apart
- Authentic NOLA staples with imported Gulf seafood
- Iconic fresh beignets made to order
- Vegan jambalaya alongside classics
What People Love
- Hot, fluffy beignets made to order
- Deep, savory gumbo and hearty jambalaya
- Cheerful, attentive servers under pressure
- NOLA vibe that feels transportive
Points of Concern
- Parking is genuinely tricky; nearby garage is safer than circling blocks
- At rush, seating and order-taking can lag 20-30 minutes
- Flavor consistency varies: a few reports of bland or over-salted items
- Pork is integral to several classics; substitutions are limited for those avoiding it
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-55 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pork-avoiders: choose Wild Mushroom Jambalaya (vegan), salads, fried catfish, and desserts
- Seafood fans: gumbo, shrimp creole, and voodoo shrimp showcase Gulf flavors
Perfect For
- Craving New Orleans comfort in the East Bay
- Casual group dinners before or after a show
- Dessert runs for hot beignets
- Parents seeking kid-friendly Southern plates
Location Insights
Area: Busy downtown near campus; casual crowds, students, and locals; lively evenings with steady foot traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, well-traveled corridor; typical urban considerations at night.
Nearby: Near Berkeley Public Library, BART, campus, shops; parking garages and metered street parking nearby.
South BerkeleySouth Berkeley is a lively and eclectic neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial areas. The dining scene here is diverse, featuring casual cafes, ethnic eateries, and some trendy spots, reflecting the area's cultural diversity and proximity to the University of California, Berkeley. The atmosphere is friendly and community-oriented, with a blend of longtime locals and university-affiliated visitors.
Gourmet GhettoThe Gourmet Ghetto is a renowned micro-neighborhood within North Berkeley, famous for its pioneering artisanal and farm-to-table restaurants. It attracts food lovers seeking high-quality, innovative dining experiences in a casual yet sophisticated setting. This area is a culinary destination known for its historic eateries and vibrant food culture.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday11:30–21:00
Wednesday11:30–21:00
Thursday11:30–21:00
Friday11:30–21:00
Saturday10:00–21:00
Sunday10:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →